Protect Against Enviro-Toxins: DIY Beauty Products
Image: Aral Tasher
I've been sharing some of the rather unfortunate details about beauty products this month, in honour of women's health month. As much as a bummer as it is to find out how full of environmental toxins the cosmetics industry is, there are always alternatives.
DIY cosmetics are probably way easier to make than you realize!
Simple ingredients like natural oils and essential oil for scents can be transformed into lotions, masks, lip balm and more. Not only are these products wonderful to use, they'll also make you feel great knowing you're avoiding all the harmful substances that end up in too many over-the-counter products.
Homemade Natural Lotion from Wellness Mama
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup almond oil or jojoba oil (or any other liquid oil)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup beeswax
- 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil (optional)
- 2 tablespoon shea butter or cocoa butter (optional)
- Essential oils, vanilla extract or other natural extracts to suit your preference (optional)
Directions
Combine almond oil (or any other liquid oil), coconut oil and beeswax in a double boiler or a glass bowl on top of a pot. If using shea or cocoa butter, add it as well.
As the water heats, the ingredients will start to melt. Stir occasionally as they melt to incorporate.
When all ingredients are completely melted, add vitamin E oil (if using) and any essential oils or scents like vanilla.
Pour into whatever jar or tin you will use for storage. Small mason jars (8 ounce) are great for this. It will not pump well in a lotion pump!
Use as you would regular lotion. This lotion is ultra-moisturizing and more oily than water-based lotions so you won’t need to use as much. It also has a longer shelf life than some homemade lotion recipes since all ingredients are already shelf stable and not water is added. Use within 6 months for best moisturizing benefits.
Coconut Oil Vanilla Lip Balm from The Radiant Life Blog
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons mango butter or cocoa butter (or blend of both)
- 2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons beeswax, pastilles or shredded
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Directions:
Coarsely chop or grate the beeswax and butters if in solid block form (if using pastilles skip this step).
Measure out equal parts tightly packed, grated beeswax and butters into a mason jar or small glass pyrex measuring cup. Add of coconut oil as well.
Prepare a double boiler system by adding about 1-2” of water to a small pot. Submerge bottom of mason jar or measuring cup in water. Heat water on medium-low to melt contents, stirring occasionally. Monitor to ensure that the water does not boil over the rim into blend.
Once melted together, immediately remove from heat and add vanilla extract to mix. Take care to handle jar with proper protection, as it will be hot. Stir vigorously to combine.
Pour the hot mixture into lip balm containers. Use tubes or tubs to your preference. To speed up cooling process, place containers in the refrigerator to set. Use as you would any other lip balm and enjoy!
Detoxifying Blueberry Face Mask from Self Magazine
Ingredients:
- 1tbsp crushed ripe blueberries
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped cucumber
- 2 tbsp baking soda
- 2 tbsp water
Directions:
Mix all ingredients (food processor works great, but isn't strictly necessary).
Slather over face.
Let sit 15-20 minutes.
Gently rinse with warm water.